The United States and Japan will step up their defence cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday.

India, Aust plan major naval exercise

Australia and India will stage joint naval exercises as they enhance their growing defence relationship.

The format hasn't yet been decided, but Defence Minister Stephen Smith says it will be a significant exercise.

Mr Smith, who has hosted Indian Defence Minister Arackaparambil Kurien Antony in Perth and Canberra this week, said the two nations had agreed on a range of measures for enhanced practical co-operation.

Mr Smith said it was the first visit to Australia by an Indian defence minister.

"The relationship between Australia and Indian is on the rise. That's reflected not by the enhanced military to military and defence to defence engagement, but by the bilateral relationship generally," he told reporters.

An Indian ship will attend the international fleet review in Sydney in October.

A new book will be commissioned on India's contribution to the Gallipoli campaign as part of the centenary commemorations.